How the Pivotell Advance GSM Pill Dispenser Works

The Pivotell Advance GSM dispenser includes all of the enhanced security and display features of the Pivotell Advance dispenser and a GSM module which transmits text messages to up to three designated contacts (typically family members) and an e-mail if medication has not been dispensed from the device at the medication time. This enables appropriate action to be taken to check on the wellbeing of the individual before a potentially adverse event occurs.

It can be easily filled and programmed by the user, relative, carer or pharmacist to dispense pills up to 24 times a day. At the pre-programmed times, the dispenser rotates, the alarm signal is heard, and the correct dosage comes into view through the opening in the lid. The alarm can be programmed to ring for up to 5 hours.

The dispenser is programmed online using the Pivotell Administration Centre. The Administration Centre provides reports on the user's Medication Compliance, for example, it records the actual times when medication has been dispensed and when warning messages such as 'Dose not taken' have been sent. The full communications history between the device and the Administration Centre can be monitored.

How does it work?

IMPROVED SECURITY - a self-locking shutter over the lid opening prevents access to the medication tray except at the time that medication is programmed to be available. This prevents the possibility of double dosing or the forced movement of the medication tray by the user.

OPERATION: When the dispenser lid is closed the shutter locks making the medication tray inaccessible. At a dosage time the tray will advance clockwise and the shutter will be released.

The alarm will sound and the light will flash to alert the user. The medication can be accessed by tilting the dispenser through 90 degrees. The shutter will swing open as the dispenser is tilted allowing the medication to fall out. The medication should be poured into the hand or a suitable container.

Once medication has been dispensed by the user and it has been returned to the horizontal position the shutter will lock making the medication tray once again inaccessible. If the medication is not dispensed by the user within the programmed alarm time (the 'After' time: 5min - 5hrs) the shutter will lock and thereby make the medication that remained in the open pill compartment but which had not been taken by the user inaccessible. This removes the possibility that the user will be able to take a dose immediately before the next dose is due and potentially double dose.

When horizontal the display will show the Date and the Time in sequence .

At the Alarm Time the display will show 'Take Med'

When tilted forward the display will show in sequence (dates and times etc shown here are examples):

NEXT DOSE 16:30 MON || DOSES LEFT 9 || B (battery level) 75% || DATE: 23 SEPT 2011

When only 4 doses remain the display will additionally show DOS 04. After this dose has been dispensed DOS 03, DOS 02, DOS 01 and finally DOS 00 will be displayed in sequence with the DATE and CLOCK

When the battery capacity is less than 20%, LOWBATT will be displayed in sequence with the DATE and CLOCK

This LCD display feature will be of particular benefit to carers / family members who will be able to make a visual check on the status of the dispenser without having to open it.

BATTERIES: It will be possible to use both Alkaline AA and re-chargeable batteries.

TRANSPORT: The dispenser can be transported upside down. If a dosage time occurs when the dispenser is upside down it will alarm as usual but the tray will not move forward. If the dispenser is upside down for some time the dispenser will record on how many occasions it should have rotated and when returned to the upright position will move to the correct position for the next scheduled dose so that the correct medication for that time will be presented.

Other data:

• Dimensions Length 190mm Width 180mm Height 56mm .
• Weight 390g excl. batteries 490g incl. batteries .
• Volume Approx 10ml per compartment .
• Power supply 6V 4 x 1.5V Alkaline batteries or 4 x 1.2v rechargeable NiMH batteries .
• Battery life > 1 year.
• Compartments 28.
• Maximum daily alarms 24 .

The Pivotell^® Advance GSM dispenser is the same diameter and slightly deeper than the existing Pivotell^® Mk 3/11 Dispenser.

A copy of the Pivotell Instructions can be downloaded via the Administration Centre.